Overnight Trek to Fort Vasota on 3rd Nov 2012

The Unseasonal rains across the Sahyadris have rejuvenated the Earth yet again! The lush green that makes a soothing sight is an opportunity that cannot be missed. Now picture yourself walking through the lush green forest where even when the sun is at its peak; not a single ray of sunlight dares to enter. The various sounds that emanate from the jungle tingle your senses, the beautiful vistas that unfolds in front of your eyes leaves you mesmerized!

Join us at Nisarga Bhraman as we head out into the dense green of the Koyna Sanctuary to the Jungle Fort of Vasota on 3rd November 2012.

Information about Vasota:  
Type: Hill Fort / Jungle Fort
Height:  4267 Feet above MSL
Range: Mahabaleshwar
Difficulty: Medium 
Endurance: Medium (More than 8hrs of hiking involved)

Vasota fort is attributed to the Kolhapur Shilahara Raja Bhoja II (1178–1193) of Panhala. Vasota always remained with Marathas, Shirkes & Mores in 16th century & then incorporated in Swarajya by Shivaji Maharaj in 1655 during the conquest of Javli. Shivaji Maharaj named the fort "Vyaghragad" (Vyaghra – means tiger), owing to its difficult natural defense. After Shivaji Maharaj, the brave Maratha Bajirao Peshwa carried on the Swarajya mission of ousting the Mughal invaders from our country. In 1818 however, British bombarded the fort with heavy artillery thereby destroying many buildings on Vasota (Chandika mandir, Daru-kothar, etc.) & looted property worth 5 lakhs. Today the fort stands in a dilapidated condition in a thick jungle with remnants of Shree Mahadev mandir, the plinth of a huge "sadar" (discussion place), the fallen ramparts & spectacular view of Nageshwar peak & Shivsagar lake (Koyna backwaters). It is located about 350 km from Mumbai, it is a protected natural reserve and a national treasure nest. The blue-green expanse of Koyna backwaters, the evergreen forests of Koyna wildlife sanctuary, hike to Vasota fort hidden in thick jungle, the spectacular view from top of the fort along with the beauty and serenity of the place leaves one spell bound.

Plan:

Day 1: Friday, 2nd November 2012

Meet @ Mumbai Central ST Depot at 22.00hrs Sharp
We will take the 22.30hrs Semi Deluxe Asiad (ST) out of Mumbai.
Note: Participants from Pune can directly join us at Satara on Saturday morning @ 04.30hrs sharp

Day 2: Saturday, 3rd November2012

Arrive in Satara by 05.00hrs

Board Ordinary ST Bus for Bamnoli @ 06.00hrs

Reach Bamnoli by 07.30hrs

Post Breakfast & Forest Entry formalities, head for the boat for a long beautiful ride in the Shivsagar Lake (Koyna Backwaters)

Reach Met Indavali by 10.00hrs & start Trek for Vasota Fort

Reach Vasota Fort @ 12.00hrs

Quick exploration of the fort followed by packed lunch & we will descend down to Nageshwar
Reach Nageshwar by 14.30hrs & take in the vast expanse of the Konkan

Start the Long Descent to Choravane village by 16.30hrs latest

Reach Choravane by 20.00hrs & halt for the night

Day 3: Sunday, 4th November 2012

Wake up early by 06.00hrs & finish freshening up & breakfast.
Board the Ordinary Mumbai (Parel) ST @ 07.15hrs
Reach Mumbai by 16.00hrs (Subjective)

The cost of this trek would be Rs.1650/- for Members & Rs.50/- additional for others & would include:
> 2 simple breakfast, 1 Veg Lunch, 1 Veg Dinner
> Stay in a mud/thatched village house (separate rooms & toilet facilities unavailable)
> All travel from Mumbai to Mumbai
> All Forest Entry charges & Boat entry charges

The cost does not include:
> Camera Charges
> Dinner/Snacks on Friday Night
> Mineral water/Soft Drinks
> Anything else apart from that mentioned in "Cost Includes"

To register, please get in touch with our team by calling:
Sameer Patel: 09820 972 043
Parag Vartak: 09820 973 705

 Hand over the cash in Person in co-ordination with our team or transfer the amount to the account -

Name of A/c Holder: Rohit Nayak
Bank & Branch: HDFC Bank, Vashi Sector 17 Branch
A/c Number: 0540 1050 318 319
RTGS/NEFT/IFSC code: HDFC0000540

Essentials on the Trek:

> Minimum 3 Liters of water * (Compulsory as water is only available on Vasota fort & Nageshwar Temple and nowhere else along the route)
> Torch with extra set of batteries * (Compulsory as descend from Nageshwar would be a night trek)
> Sleeping bag/Mat/2 Blankets * (Compulsory as no bedding will be provided & it will get cold during the night)
> Appropriate footwear & Clothes - Shoes + Full Trouser/Tracks + Full sleeved Shirt/Tshirt (All essential as its a jungle trek & there is always a possibility of a snake/insect bite)
> Comfortable sack to put in all the things *
> Extra set of Clothes/Socks/Towel
> Personal Medication if any
> Dry snacks or munchies

Please Note:

1. It is essential that you hydrate yourself by drinking atleast 4 liters of water everyday atleast a week before the trek - It prevents your body from getting dehydrated soon on the trek
2. Avoid wearing New shoes without running them in as it increases chances of a shoe bite
3. A Hat or a cap always comes in handy to keep the sun off the face
4. Carry Mosquito repellent to keep the mozzies and other insects at Bay
5. If allergic to insect bites, please carry medication for the same like 'Avil'
6. Limit the stuff that you carry in the sack to Essentials, it helps reduce the load on your back and increase your speed
7. Medicines like Avomine help keep motion sickness at bay only if consumed 2-3 hours before the actual journey
8. Cigarette smoking will strictly not be permitted inside the forest as per Forest Rules.
9. No Network coverage at all inside the forest, strictly stick with the group and do not deviate under any circumstances
10. Also it is essential to stay in a group due to presence of wild animals
11. In case of denial of permission to descend to Choravane, we would return back to Bamnoli for a night halt.